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Dr. Paul Laursen

Professor Paul Laursen is an esteemed Adjunct Professor of Exercise Physiology at Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) and University of Agder (Norway), and a former Physiology Manager for High Performance Sport New Zealand. Currently residing in Canada, he is an entrepreneur, high-performance consultant, and coach, renowned for his contributions to exercise science, particularly in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance coaching. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, Laursen's research spans across nutritional ketosis, heart rate variability, and thermoregulation. He co-founded HIIT Science and Athletica platforms dedicated to optimizing athletic performance through scientific principles.

Professor Paul Laursen is a globally recognized sport scientist and Adjunct Professor of Exercise Physiology at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand and University of Agder in Norway. From 2009 to 2017, he led the Physiology Team at High Performance Sport New Zealand, focusing on Olympic sports during the London and Rio Olympic cycles. An advocate for the practical application of sport science, he has seamlessly integrated research with real-world athlete training.


Currently based in Canada, Laursen is an entrepreneur and high-performance consultant with a deep-seated interest in maximizing athletic performance and health through innovative approaches like artificial intelligence and nutritional ketosis. His research, which includes over 150 refereed journal articles, has had a significant impact on the fields of HIIT, athlete health, and performance, achieving an h-index of 74. He holds two international patents and continues to influence the sports science community through his businesses, HIIT Science and Athletica, which provide educational and training platforms based on his research.

As an endurance athlete, Laursen has completed 17 Ironman triathlons, boasting a personal best of 9:57, and two team Race Across America (RAAM) transcontinental crossings. He is also a prolific author, having co-written “Science and Application of High-Intensity Interval Training” with Martin Buchheit, a staple in the sports science literature. His ongoing contributions to sport and exercise science make him a leading figure in the application of physiological principles to training and athlete care.

Latest

Headshots of Dr. Williden and Dr. Laursen

How to Fuel for Health

There’s an important difference between fueling for performance and fueling for health. In this episode, Dr. Mikki Williden and Dr. Paul Laursen give their suggestions on how to fuel for health.

Fast Talk Podcast Episode 343
FT EP 292 with Dr. Paul Laursen

What Impact Will AI Have on Training Software?

AI training software is here to stay. We talk with Dr. Paul Laursen about where it may go and how it may impact training and coaching in both good and potentially bad ways.

Fast Talk Podcast Episode 292